Janelle 'Tootie' Howard

What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.

Obituary

With immense love and sorrow, we share that Janelle 'Tootie’ (Hannes) Howard passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on December 2, 2025, at the age of 86. Janelle’s inner strength and unwavering faith made her the heart of her family; a humble and constant presence whose love endured through every battle she faced.

Janelle was born on November 6, 1939, in Dime Box, Texas to loving parents Leona (Jaehne) and Louis Hannes. She was baptized on December 3, 1939 at Saint Petrie Lutheran Church in Dime Box. In March of 1953, she was confirmed at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Giddings. She spent her early school years in Dime Box before continuing her education at Giddings High School, proudly graduating in 1958. Soon after, Janelle set out for Austin with her sister, Shirlene, where she began her career in the banking industry.

While working at a local bank in Austin, Texas, Janelle fell in love with and married the love of her life, Nathan “Foy” Howard, a member of the U.S. Air Force. The two were united in marriage on June 30, 1962, at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Giddings. After Foy’s Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Air Force, they eventually moved to Giddings, Texas where they settled to raise their family. The couple built a home filled with love, faith, and deeply rooted in family values. Together, they raised two daughters, Julie Renee and Dawn Michelle.

Tootie’s gentle presence and loyalty to those she cherished defined her life. At the top of her list were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored. She was devoted to making sure their lives were enriched through faith and the love of family. Her unconditional love, unbelievable strength, endless courage and forgiving heart will be the foundation her family stands on knowing they have an angel in heaven that they call 'Nairny'.

She is preceded in death by parents, Leona and Louis Hannes; husband, Foy; sister, Shirlene Clampit; brother-in-law, James A. Clampit; and nephew, Stan Chapman.

She is survived by her daughters, Julie Sailors of Houston, and Dawn(Eric) Boos of Austin; five grandchildren, Erin(Danny) King of Bastrop; Alix(Michael) Osgood of Bastrop; Michael(Holley) Boos of Austin; Jacob Boos of Austin; and Rylan Sailors of College Station. She also leaves behind nephew, Steve(Sylvia) Chapman of Welborn, Texas, and four great-grandchildren Camdyn & Ellisyn King, and Oliver & Stella Osgood, all of Bastrop. Her babies' surprise visits to the nursing home brightened Nairny's days, bringing joy, laughter, hugs, kisses, and an abundance of love.

Janelle was deeply loved by her family and friends, and she will be dearly missed. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Giddings, 573 N Main St, Giddings, TX 78942.  A brief gathering will be held immediately after the services in the Educational Building where the family will celebrate Janelle's life, sharing memories and honoring all that she was—and all that she continues to be in their hearts.

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